We invited the Youth Ambassadors (“YA”) the opportunity to take over our blog. Last month, we heard from Xavier, who shared about how type 1 diabetes (“T1D”) doesn’t stop him on or off the field. This month, Youth Ambassador Marin is here to share her story.

Marin has been living with T1D for almost half of her life. While this is her first year in the Youth Ambassador program, she’s really embraced what it means to be a Youth Ambassador – she’s been present in our community, has dedicated time to volunteering and has helped move JDRF’s mission forward with her fundraising work.

Like many who apply to the Youth Ambassador Program, Marin shared her interest in connecting with others who are living with T1D. To make that happen, Marin has attended at least one JDRF event every month so far this year – whether it be a Youth Ambassador meeting, virtual community meet-ups with other teens or traveling to attend a fundraiser that another Youth Ambassador hosted.

More From Marin Herself

“I am 16 years old and am going to be a junior this school year which is a very exciting experience.  I have had type one diabetes for almost 8 years this upcoming December. My experience as a Youth Ambassador has been amazing so far! I’ve been given this great opportunity to meet new people that can share their T1D experiences with me.  Being able to attend events whether it is online or in person has really made a difference in my life because of all the people I get to meet and help.

I’ve written thank you cards to the people who have generously donated to our foundation, interviewed my brother about what it’s like to have a sibling with T1D, and have attended game nights with other fellow YA’s.

As an upcoming junior, I wanted to start becoming more independent with things like earning money so I decided that it would be a great idea to start working. I have not only one, but two jobs that I balance throughout my life. I work at a restaurant as a hostess and food runner and I am a lifeguard at the beach near my house.

Being able to manage my diabetes while balancing two jobs throughout the summer is a very important key to working because if I don’t feel good, then I can’t work to my best ability. As a lifeguard, you have a huge responsibility of making sure that each individual is safe, managing my blood sugar plays a huge role in that because I could be putting everyone at risk if not under control.  Luckily I have been managing my diabetes well, but in the past that may have not been the case. As a teen with type one, I have had multiple burnouts where I don’t take care of myself because I just want to be relieved of the constant finger pricks and watching what I eat, but ever since I’ve been a lifeguard it is easier to live with it instead of constantly fighting it. Having type one has not stopped me from doing the things I want to do in life. Yes, there may be rough patches once in a while but every time I bounce back it has made me stronger than before.”

In case you missed Marin’s conversation with her brother Graham for National Siblings Day, you can see it here.